Archive for December, 2011

One of the most common questions I get asked about eye creams is “How can I tell it’s working?” The truth is, like cellulite creams, it can be hard to see results. Wrinkles/dark eye circles? Any beauty editor will tell you that these things are notoriously hard to change. This doesn’t mean that your eye cream has zero benefit though–the best eye creams prevent additional wrinkles and lessen the appearance of dark eye circles. I choose those words carefully because I fully believe that again, like cellulite creams, eye creams that promise to ERASE flaws such as wrinkles and dark eye circles are a hoax. Once you have either of those, you’re stuck. This is all a very long introduction to tell you about an eye cream I do like, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery.

 Kiehls Midnight Recovery is a lightweight, super moisturizing eye balm, partner to Kiehls Midnight Concentrate. Like all Kiehls products, it’s formulated with a lot of super-duper natural ingredients that I don’t completely understand but certainly work. Midnight Recovery contains ingredients like lavender oil, evening primrose, and two other mysterious ones called squalane (which is a lipid and thanks to high school Science class, I can identify as a moisturizing fat) and butcher’s broom (sounds like something Harry Potter used in a Potions class). I like the Kiehls moisturizer because it’s non-greasy, substantially thick (in a good way) and soaks into the skin. It doesn’t leave a sticky film and absorbs quickly, so that you can apply eye concealer immediately over it. In terms of moisturizing softness, it leaves the under-eye dewy and moist, to go from morning to night.  Unlike most eye balms, Midnight Recovery is offered in a slim tube. The product can be squeezed out in a thin line, which I like for its precision and non-messiness.

The cream retails for $36 and comes in a 0.5 tube. It’s almost sneakable past TSA (kind TSA agents like some of those I’ve encountered in the Southern airports might let this slip by in carry-on. But then again, after trying this, would you really want to take the chance that they might want to confiscate it for their own personal use? )

ONE. Tiffany & Co. Piggy Bank — Any expectant mother would love a thoughtful gift wrapped in a signature blue box- baby’s first Tiffany. Tiffany’s baby piggy bank comes in pink for girls and blue for boys and serves as the child’s first savings account (hey it’s never too early to start saving up for a Birkin).  The ceramic bank with hand painted polka dots also adds warmth and character to any nursery.  (more…)

We can’t get enough of Lockett Jewels! From friendship bracelets to bridal headdresses, we want it all. At the top of our long list are Lockett’s great necklaces in a wide variety of motifs including our favorite bows and anchors. They are also available customized names for everyone on your holiday list, and in your preferred metal – sterling silver or 18K gold fill. Get them at: www.LockettJewels.net.

ONE. Jonathan Adler Smartphone Dock — With all the different technology we carry around with us every day, we’re constantly charging all their gadgets. This Jonathan Adler Smartphone Dock is an adorable gift for anyone with a smartphone (which is pretty much everyone we know!). The old time phone design would look so much better sitting on a desk or dresser than just another plain old cord and it’s a fun conversation piece. So cute! (more…)

I’m a bit of an expert on surviving long haul flights, given that my first 17 hour one was at the tender age of 6 (we have a lot of relatives in Asia). Even as a young one, I distinctly recall thinking, “Man, this sucks” as I took in the plane’s stale air, questionable food, and roaring overhead noise while barfing into an air sickness bag. Since then, experience and technology have been great aids in reducing the airplane’s assault on the five senses so far that I even LIKE long haul flights (but capped at 17 hours tops). My tips at dealing with the pains of traveling:

1.    Feel:  As every travel-related site and dermatologist will tell you, airplane air is bad and dry, wreaking havoc on complexions (read: breakouts) and your throat. You have to stay moisturized.  I like to prepare first by stocking up on water after TSA frisks me. You may be thinking, “Why should I buy water when I get it for free on the plane?” True, but I can’t be the only one that gulps down their tiny airplane ration of water two minutes after receiving it. I also remain terrified by a story a friend’s father told me. He was stranded on the tarmac for 4 hours, parched and hungry, after the flight attendants ran out of provisions. I’d prefer for that not to be me.  Experts also tell you to avoid drinking on the plane as alcohol dehydrates, but if you are a nervous traveler, I don’t see the harm in slightly indulging. A friend of mine has a long time fear of flying and kind stewardesses routinely used to give her shots of tequila on the plane.  Worked for her, and she even did one with Flava Flav one time at 6 am. (more…)

Thanks everyone for participating in the American Express Savvy Shopper program and sharing your online tips for smart shopping! Below are some of our favorite tips to help guide you through your holiday shopping and be sure to check to see if you’re the winner after the cut!

Don’t buy shoes online that don’t fit right regardless of how gorgeous they are! (more…)

Bonnie Marcus brings us stylish holiday cheer with a wide variety of greeting, thank you and invite cards for every occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive fete or just want to drop someone a jolly holiday note – the Candy Cane Girl cards are playful and always in good taste with a portion going towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Get 25 5×7 cards and matching white envelopes, printed on recycled stock for $37.50 – perfect for sending out all your holiday greetings to your loved ones!